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Raccoons are cute, from a distance. The charm fades when they start building dens in your crawlspace, tearing up your garden and strewing your garbage across the lawn. All nuisances aside, raccoons are a leading carrier of rabies in the United States. Accidentally encountering a rabid or injured raccoon places children, adults, pets and livestock at risk of attack and injury.

Pepper as Repellent

Black pepper, sprinkled on plants, ripening fruits and vegetables, may work as a short-term solution. The University of Idaho Extension recommends sprinkling pepper on corn as it nears ripeness. However, wind, rain and other forms of condensation will quickly erase your efforts.

A Better Way

A more effective method for keeping raccoons off your property is to remove anything that will attract them. Surround gardens with electric fencing. Keep garbage in cans with secured lids. Close up any access to attics, basements, crawlspaces, chimneys and sheds and keep pet food indoors, away from pet doors. Placing ammonia-soaked rags around the perimeter of your home and garden can also deter raccoons.

About the Author

Based in Ohio, Deborah Waltenburg has been writing online since 2004, focusing on personal finance, personal and commercial insurance, travel and tourism, home improvement and gardening. Her work has appeared on numerous blogs, industry websites and media websites, including "USA Today."